今度 and 次回: this occasion and the next session
Compare context-dependent 今度 with 次回, which specifies the next occurrence in a series.
Reading this or next from context
今度 is read こんど and can refer to this occasion or the next, depending on context. 「今度の試験は難しかったです」 evaluates the exam on this occasion as difficult, in the past.
「今度、一緒に行きましょう」 proposes going together another time. 今度 alone does not set an exact date; read it with the tense and situation.
Specifying the next occurrence
次回 is read じかい and refers to the next occurrence of a class, meeting, broadcast, or similar series. 「次回の授業は月曜日です」 says that the next class is on Monday.
「続きは次回説明します」 says that the rest will be explained next time. It does not say the explanation is complete; it places it at the next session.
Keeping previous and next occurrences separate
「今度はうまくいきました。次回も頑張ります」 says that things went well this time and the speaker will try hard next time too. 今度 refers to the completed occasion, and 次回 to the upcoming one.
Translating every 今度 as 'next' can move a completed event into the future. First check the verb's tense and the reference point of the discussion.
Does 今度 in 「今度の旅行は楽しかったです」 mean the next trip?
Show the answer and why
No. With the past evaluation 楽しかった, it means 'The trip this time was enjoyable.' Do not turn it into an expectation about the next trip.